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Food Technician

Food technicians check production processes and product quality, and undertake maintenance and basic repair of equipment.

They also assist food technologists with developing food products and establishing standards for production and packaging.

TASKS

Food technicians may perform the following tasks:

monitor food production processes
carry out routine testing of food ingredients, packaging and food products to ensure that safety, quality, health and legal standards are met
perform physical, chemical and microbiological tests, and report on content, nutritional value, flavour, aroma and appearance
collect information from surveys and observations
record test results and prepare graphs and reports
assist food technologists with research and development, production technology and quality control
check and maintain cleanliness and sanitation of laboratory equipment
measure, test or weigh bottles, cans or other containers to ensure they meet specifications
mix, blend or cultivate ingredients to make reagents (agents to be used in chemical testing) or to manufacture food or beverage products
develop, operate, maintain and repair equipment for use in food production, research and testing
inspect, analyse and recommend ways of improving quality and efficiency of production
check handling, processing and storage of raw materials

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

aptitude for mathematics and science
problem-solving skills
enjoy scientific activities
good observation skills
show initiative
able to work as part of a team
good organisation skills
strong attention to detail

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a food technician you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in laboratory technology, laboratory skills, laboratory techniques, food processing or food science and technology. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in food technology or food science and nutrition. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry and mathematics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Initially, food technicians may perform routine quality assurance tasks such as laboratory testing. With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to advance to supervisory or senior technical positions such as quality control leader, quality compliance coordinator, quality assurance inspector, laboratory technician or quality improvement leader.

Job prospects are dependent on food production and access to export markets.