The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is in the midst of a drive to nurture the next generation of food technologists, since the number of food science graduates is falling across the globe. In the UK, applicants for food science degree courses have more than halved in the last decade.
Meanwhile Richard Lambert, director general of the CBI, has expressed concern that the UK’s policy on science teaching is preventing children from “fulfilling their science potential”, and may prevent them from pursuing a science-based career in the future.
From September, UK school children who achieve level 6 or above in their science SAT exams will be entitled to take triple science at GCSE – that is, chemistry, biology and physics as separate GCSE qualifications.
The rest will take either double science, or a single science exam that combined elements from the three disciples.
Lambert, however, would like to see all children who achieve level 6 or above to automatically be entered for triple science – with the choice to opt out and take double science if they wish.
According to the confederation, triple science “provides a better preparation for science at A-level, opens doors to new and exciting career opportunities, and will help Britain prosper”.
“We need to create an environment in schools that reflects the importance of science, and the value of studying it,” said Lambert. “We also need to send an unambiguous message to young people who are good at science that science as a career can be fascinating and worthwhile, and will reward you well.”
According to graduate careers website prospects.ac.uk, the starting salary of a food technologist can range from £16,000 to £21,000 per annum (data from May 2006), and a senior level food technologist can earn over £50,000.
In order to embark on a BSc in food technology, candidates from the UK would need two A-levels of grade C or above, at least on of which in a scientific subject, or an appropriate Advanced GNVQ or VCE qualification plus four GCSEs, including a science subject at grade C or above.
The UK food and drink manufacturing industry makes up the largest manufacturing sector in country, says industry association the Food and Drink Federation, and is worth £74bn.
The food and drink industry employs some 13 per cent of the overall manufacturing workforce – or 470,000 people.