19 Sep 07
Stepping up to the plate - career opportunities in food technology.
There is no doubt that food science and development has undergone significant changes in the last decade. Consumers have become more savvy about the foods they eat, and consequently they have put the challenge to food manufacturers to step up to the plate to create high quality products.
Factors such as increased time pressures and higher living standards for consumers have contributed to the innovative approach that companies are now taking in developing their products. The introduction of the ‘ready-to-eat' meal concept, increased nutritional and ingredient information availability and healthy choice products have created huge employment opportunities, as companies search for innovative ways to take their products one step further.
It is exactly these challenges that have changed the way that Australian food companies are employing their staff. Mathew Westcott, Manager of Techstaff, says that the client demand for product development technologists, innovation specialists, quality assurance and quality control professionals continues to increase significantly.
"Organisations that Techstaff work with, are recognising the need to employ people who not only have technical abilities, but can also demonstrate excellent leadership, creative, communication and teamwork abilities," explains Mathew. In an age where product development and innovation are becoming the most important departments in food organisations, it has been demonstrated that finding people with these attributes is essential for success.
It is important to source the best candidate for each position. "Techstaff works with every candidate and client to ensure that we are addressing the needs of both to the best of our abilities," explains Mathew, "it is simply not enough to put forward someone who you think might be good for the role. We want to make sure that we are providing our clients with the top people in the industry."
As stated in the Age Employment Forecast, the Food Manufacturing industry has grown rapidly; food jobs grew 2% in 2006 with a strong forecast for further growth in the next 12-18 months, (Age Employment Forecast, Dec 06-Feb 07). "The opportunities for scientists are huge, the roles available for Food Technologists and Scientists are now incredibly diverse. People now have the chance to utilise not only their technical skills but their total skill set," says Mathew. These opportunities provide great scope for career diversity and progression.
The equation is simple: high quality products are derived from high quality staff.
Techstaff provide scientific and technical recruitment services to many of Australia's leading food manufacturers, and have extensive experience in recruiting professionals into this dynamic industry. The Techstaff team believe that it is an exciting industry to recruit for, with Techstaff providing permanent and temporary professionals to the food industry across Australia.
This article appeared in Food Australia - May 2007 edition
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