My placement is mostly office based but I find myself in production quite a bit either auditing or helping on the production line. I work full time from 8am – 4pm Monday – Thursday and 8am – 12am Fridays remotely. I work closely with the Managing Director as the Technical department, but as there is such a small team I feel part of one big team. Some duties/tasks I have carried out since joining include:

• Assisting in maintaining the Quality Management System, including document control, auditing and HACCP and TACCP plans
• Monitor customer complaints and assist in carrying out root cause analysis, handles customer queries around specifications
• Perform internal audits under supervision, including weekly and monthly GMP, hygiene and fabrication audits
• Assist in hosting and preparing for customer and 3rd party audits (SALSA, Organic, Fairtrade)
• To compile, check and approve product specifications and product labelling, including those for export
• Supply Chain Approval (ingredients, produce, packaging and services)
• Assist in progression of New Product Development including researching current trends in the tea industry, recipe creation, specification and label approval and working with the marketing team for product launch

 

How are you finding the placement so far?

I have loved every minute of my placement so far. I’ve picked up some extremely useful experience that I will take into final year and all my further jobs. I have matured and became more confident, which is also reflected in my writing. I’ve started to enjoy my placement much more now that I am getting on better with my colleagues, which comes with putting in hard work at the beginning of the placement to gain their trust and respect. A favourite moment of mine would be having the opportunity to attend a business trip to London Caffe Culture and get stuck in at networking, tasting tea and even a some sales.

 

What insights have you gained from this placement?

I’ve gained insight into what the role of technical involves. At first, I thought the responsibility would be too much for me. However, I have now learnt to love it. I am undecided whether I will pursue a career in technical, but I know how crucial the role is in food business’ and would not turn it down given the opportunity.

 

Could you give advice to students who are considering applying to similar work placements?

I would recommend a role in Technical to all food science students as it aligns perfectly with everything you have been learning on the course and it will provide you with priceless experience for when it is time to search for graduate jobs in the food industry. I particularly enjoyed working at Suki due to its small workforce (10 staff). This allowed me to work extremely closely with the Managing Directors as well as all the department heads. I gained experience in aspects that were not in my job role e.g., sales, marketing, production and purchasing. I would suggest gaining your Level 3 Award in Food Safety before applying to technical placements as this is extremely beneficial for the role and some posts may even require it. 

 

A couple of key pieces of advice would be:

• Be extremely adaptable and get stuck in- say yes to everything!
• Be like a sponge- try to absorb as much information as possible while you’re on placement.
• A year goes by in a flash so don’t waste it!

 

Thomas Evan Robinson

BSc Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition