Food technician

Food technicians help scientists/technologists to develop food products. They test the safety and quality of raw materials and finished products, as well as testing packaging, processing and storage techniques. Technicians look after the day-to-day running of the laboratory and may also help in the research and development of new products.

Work activities

Food technicians make sure that food is safe and of good quality. They do this by testing the food at different stages in the production process and also when the product is finished. These tests can be to detect chemical contamination or the presence of micro-organisms that cause food poisoning illnesses such as Salmonella and E.coli. Food technicians use a very strict procedure called Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). This means they can identify problems at each stage of production and take steps to make sure the food is safe.

Technicians can use automated testing machines to carry out thousands of tests very quickly, and computers to record and analyse their results. Other tests can be more time-consuming, for example, making careful observations with electron microscopes. Technicians test for taste, colour and nutritional content (including fat, protein, sugar and vitamins). They test processes such as mixing, heating, chilling and freezing, ensuring that the food is processed and stored at the right temperature. Technicians also test the materials used to package food, to make sure they meet national standards for safety and quality. In research and development work, technicians test raw materials and processing techniques to help scientists and technologists make new food products or find ways to improve existing ones.

Apart from new products, such as vegetarian and vegan substitutes for meat, technicians could be working on new preservatives, colourings and flavourings. Food technicians spend a large part of their time in the laboratory. However, they can also spend a lot of time visiting the factory floor, for example, to take samples or to monitor and test production processes. Technicians must ensure food hygiene and also protect themselves from potentially dangerous chemicals used in production or during testing. For these reasons, they wear protective clothing such as hats, gloves, hairnets and white coats.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a food technician, you’ll need:

An interest in science, including the principles of food processing and preservation, nutrition and hygiene.
An enquiring mind and problem-solving skills.
Strong observation skills and a thorough, methodical approach to your work.
Good number skills to record and display test results.
A responsible attitude.
Attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures.
Good communication skills to work in teams and explain your results to others.
The ability to use a variety of equipment and technology.
Computer skills to record and analyse results.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the company and range of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. According to job site Glassdoor, food technicians earn in the range of £23,000 - £38,000 a year. Higher salaries are available, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

They usually work a full-time week, Monday to Friday. Those working in a production environment might need to work shifts and at weekends.

Employers are firms in the food and drink industry, in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on food industry and general recruitment job boards, in local newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

To become a food technician, you either need to complete a relevant full-time course before looking for employment, complete an apprenticeship or find a trainee position with part-time training provided. A level 6 degree apprenticeship is available in the role of food industry technical professional.

Even if you don’t do an apprenticeship, some employers give trainees the opportunity to study part-time for a relevant qualification such as an Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or HNC. It may also be possible for food technicians to work towards awards, certificates and diplomas for proficiency in food manufacturing excellence, laboratory and associated technical activities, laboratory science or laboratory technical skills.

You could progress to a supervisory or team leader position. Some companies enable experienced technicians to become food technologists through part-time study, for example, by taking an HNC, foundation degree or degree on a day-release basis.

Qualifications

The usual minimum entry requirements for a trainee position are 4 GCSEs (grades 9-4), including English, maths and a science subject, or equivalent. Many entrants have A-levels or equivalent qualifications. To do a degree apprenticeship, you will need two A-levels.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills in the food and drink industry, for example, in food manufacture or processing.

Colleges will usually consider applications from adults who don’t meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges. Advanced Level Apprenticeships in Food and Drink might be available in your area.

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