Nexnet

In August, Glasgow Metropolitan College will become the first college in Scotland to offer the new Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Food Science and Technology, with the option to continue studying for a Higher National Diploma (HND) from August 2011. The HND course has just been validated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

 

The course is aimed at employees currently working in food and drink, as well as school leavers, who want to progress into roles such as food technology, new product development, quality control, process improvement and hygiene management and nutrition. Employees will be able to study on a part-time, day-release, basis and funding of up to £500 is available from the Individual Learning Account towards the cost of the course which is £540 per year for each employee.

 

The development of the qualifications has been spearheaded by Improve, the sector skills council for food and drink, the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and Glasgow Metropolitan College. All three have worked closely with the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS), as well as Forth Valley College and the Scottish Agricultural College.

 

Kelvin Thomson, Improve national development manager for Scotland, said: “All sectors of food and drink are facing shortages of food scientists and technologists. It is important to have a course that is flexible enough and broad enough in scope to serve the entire industry. Glasgow Metropolitan College is the first to deliver the course in Scotland but we hope that others will start deliver it across Scotland as demand grows.

 

“Encouraging existing workers to consider switching to food science and technology roles, which often lead quickly on to senior supervisory positions, is an important means of addressing the skills shortage in this area. This course is now fit-for-purpose and will offer appropriate training whatever sector you work in.

 

“It plugs a gap between Scottish Vocational Qualifications, Modern Apprenticeships, and degree level courses. The qualification provides a firm grounding for someone who wants to build a career in the food and drink industry, giving them practical and competent knowledge and skills to progress to the next level.”

 

The range of units include bakery, meat, fish, beverages, milk and dairy technologies, food quality management, microbiology, food analysis and nutrition and sensory assessment of foods, the HNC/D has been designed as a first stepping stone into an area of the food and drink industry where skills shortages have been identified. The course also includes modern themes such as the importance of relevant legislation and food safety requirements such as allergens, as well as the nutritional make-up of food and how to prepare for visits from supermarket buyers and auditors.

 

For more information, or to apply for the course visit www.glasgowmet.ac.uk, or for course specific enquiries ring Alistair Macleod on 0141 5666222, or email alistair.macleod@glasgowmet.ac.uk. For general enquiries about courses, including applying and funding, contact student services on 0141 5666224.

 

For further information, go to www.improve-skills.co.uk.

 

Pic caption: Kelvin Thomson

 

 

Improve is part of the network of sector skills councils established by the government to take the lead in driving up skills in the workplace in order to promote higher productivity and stronger competitiveness for UK businesses in the global market. Funded primarily by the government, sector skills councils are also supported by employers whose needs they represent when stimulating change among the providers of education and skills. Sector skills councils work closely with employers to promote greater commitment to improving skills in their workforces, and with schools, colleges, universities, and private training organisations to improve the provision of basic skills training and to make vocational and occupational training more relevant to the modern commercial climate.

 

 

Issued on behalf of Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, www.improveltd.co.uk, by Nexnet PR, Leeds, www.nexnet.co.uk. For further information call Nexnet on 0113 247 0029 or email paul.newham@nexnet.co.uk or joanne.mead@nexnet.co.uk.