Food Processing Technician

• Diploma of Food Science and Technology

Food processing technicians assist food technologists in the development, processing and packaging of food products. They also establish and maintain food quality control standards for food manufacturers such and for the agricultural, food retail and food service catering industries.

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Currently of those employed in the industry 10% have Certificate II or IV and 86% have no post school qualifications. While such a large percentage don't have any formal qualifications it is suggested that further education be undertaken to remain as competitive in the industry as possible.

TAFE SA offer the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation; Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma in Food Processing and Certificate III, IV and Advanced Diploma in Hospitality (Specialising in Commercial Cookery).

Still unsure! Then enrol in a short course also offered through TAFE SA such as Cake Decorating. For further details about these and related courses go to the TAFE SA website at http://www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

A creative flair would also be an asset when developing the documented systems and procedures under the guidance of a quality assurance manager. From a technician's position it is possible to progress to a supervisory position, or to work as a private consultant in this area. Currently, this is a small occupation in terms of workforce that still experiences low turnover.

Manufacturing

To be updated.

Food processing technicians can choose to work in one of several areas. They may work with specific foods such as dairy or meat products, undertaking routine analytical testing of raw materials and finished products under controlled conditions. Routine testing includes microbiological tests (used to ensure food is safe to consume) and chemical testing (used to gauge the chemical composition, or additives in food).

Other food processing technicians may choose to work in a particular area of food production such as research and development, quality control, food laboratory analysis or production supervision. What's New! In research and development, food processing technicians help to develop new processing methods and improve current products or create new ones. They repeatedly test and monitor new foods for their microbial content, nutritional value and flavour and appearance before arriving at the final product. Before testing commences, technicians set up a testing station and decide on the most effective testing methods. A wet, analytical testing method installed with an infra-red detector is commonly used to test new icecream products for instance. The introduction of automated testing equipment continues to enhance the types of tests carried out in food processing. According to one particular Technical Services Manager, this will continue to lead to shorter turnaround times when producing test results and greater control and efficiency by technicians.

If you have a healthy interest in science, particularly in regard to the chemical and microbiological composition of food and can see yourself working in a food lab-based environment, then you're heading in the right direction by considering this occupation. On a technical level, you will need sharp observational skills, have the ability to interpret and analyse test results and be able to offer suggestions about how processes could be improved. Food processing technicians need to pay attention to detail and adopt a systematic approach to their work tasks as testing relies on following a step-by-step process.

''We want to be able to test things effectively and allow time for modifications while still maintaining a budget.'' Technicians working in production supervision and quality control must ensure that hygienic conditions and procedures are followed during food processing and packaging. The procedures include storing raw ingredients under correct conditions and making sure that the raw ingredients and the processed food products meet government and company quality standards. Food processing technicians forward their findings to relevant departments and companies to help ensure their compliance with food, health and safety standards. They also carry out commercial testing for external clients. It is also part of a technician's role to provide technical advice and assistance to other food technicians and operational units within the organisation where they work.

Food processing technicians are laboratory based and work as part of a team. The type of equipment they use includes your everyday microwave, moisture ovens and hygiene monitoring equipment. Its up to these technicians to maintain the laboratory and the testing equipment used by them.

For further information, contact:

National Food Industry Training Council Ltd
PO Box 13025 George St Brisbane QLD 4003
Ph: (07) 3236 1919
Fax: (07) 3236 1999
Email: nfitc@nfitc.com.au
Internet Address: http://www.nfitc.com.au

The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Inc (National Office)
PO Box 6436 Alexandria NSW 2015
Ph: (02) 8399 3996 or 1800 816 148 (FREECALL)
Fax: (02) 8399 3997
Email: aifst@aifst.asn.au
Internet Address: http://www.aifst.asn.au

The starting salary is approximately $30,000 per year for a recent graduate and this may go as high as $35,000. Those in management positions can earn well in excess of this amount.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au